By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa’s leading men’s singles player, Lloyd Harris has been knocked out of the Australian Open in Melbourne.
The 25-year-old Harris was beaten in the second round by Marton Fucsovics of Hungary.
Fucsovics won four breakpoints as he beat Harris 6-2, 6-3, 5-7 and 6-4.
On Monday Harris scraped through to the 2nd round with a hard-fought 6-4, 6-1, 6-7, 2-6 and 7-6 victory over the 17th seeded Lorenzo Musetti of Italy.
The former world No 31 entered the Australian Open on a protected ranking because of his injury and spent his time warming up for the year’s first Grand Slam by playing Challenger Tour events.
Harris will not leave Melbourne just yet though, as he’s scheduled to play in the men’s doubles alongside compatriot Raven Klaasen. They face Spaniard Pedro Martinez and Brazilian Thiago Monteiro on Wednesday.